Roland John Champagne

Roland John Champagne, 99, died Thursday, October 9, 2014. He was a native of Houma and a resident of the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Jennings, Louisiana since 2010. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 14 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church. Funeral service will be held immediately following with burial at Magnolia Cemetery. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marian King Champagne and daughter, Carol Champagne Percy, sons, Barry Champagne and wife Debra, Carl Champagne and wife Kayla, and grandchildren, Jonathan Percy, Matthew Percy, Scott Champagne, Brian Champagne and Andrew Champagne. Mr. Champagne was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Edith Champagne. Roland was a 1932 graduate of Lorton Preparatory School and earned a diploma in higher accounting from La Salle Extension University of Chicago. In 1936, he began a banking career as a teller at the Citizens Bank and Trust Co. (later becoming First National Bank of Houma) and retired in 1980 as Executive Vice President & Cashier. His career was interrupted only by his service in the United States Marine Corps during WWII and the Korean War. Mr. Champagne was a parishioner of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church where he served for many years as treasurer, lay reader, chalice bearer and member of the vestry and choir. He was a charter member and treasurer of Le Petit Theatre de Terrebonne and also served as treasurer of Magnolia Cemetery Association and St. Matthew’s Episcopal School. He was a member of the Houma branch of the VFW and on the board of MacDonell Children's Home. In addition, Roland was one of the founding members on the Board of Directors for the YMCA in Houma. In 1990, he was named Terrebonne’s Most Useful Citizen. He had a variety of interests which included tennis, jogging, gardening, art and music. He sang in various choirs and choruses in Houma. In addition to being known for his many accomplishments, Roland is most remembered for his friendly smile, genuine caring for others and countless hours of service and volunteer work. He was a blessing and inspiration to his family and all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church Building Fund, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Jennings or The MacDonell Children’s Home.